Welcome! I’m Clarissa and my pronouns are she/her. I'm so glad you're exploring options for support. It can feel intimidating to reach out for the first time, or to find a new therapist, and I’d like to make it as comfortable as possible. Therapy can be hard work but it can also be fun, relieving and life-changing. Since it’s a collaborative process, let me share a bit about myself and why I love this work. Being a part of your journey is an honor and I'm committed to creating a safe emotional space for you to be yourself and get to know yourself. Learning about the experiences and beliefs that shape your life, offering hope, building new skills, and embracing all aspects of our selves is a privilege. Therapy is a place where it is safe to show up just as you are – all parts of you are welcome here.
Background and Education:
My undergraduate work focused on Psychology and Social Change and I received my Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University in 2017. For over 15 years, I have enjoyed working with a diverse range of clients in various settings, including families experiencing homelessness, children who have experienced abuse and neglect, adults impacted by severe mental illness, new parents, and children and teens who are engaging in high-risk behaviors. My commitment to ongoing education includes specialized training in trauma, LGBQIA+ and Trans-affirming practices, Neurodiversity and Internal Family Systems. Providing safe, inclusive, culturally-sensitive services is always my goal. If I am not the right fit for you, I will provide referrals to other therapists.
If you're curious about what Internal Family Systems therapy is, please copy and paste this link in your browser: https://insighttimer.com/drrichardschwartz/guided-meditations/introduction-to-ifs
Clarissa Harwell
LCSW